What to wear: Loro Piana

Photography: Dino Busch
Full look: Loro Piana
Model: James Wong
MUA: Gloomy Kwok

The Best of Menswear: Loro Piana

Fine knitwear begins and ends with Loro Piana, and—in full confession—the Italian house’s autumn-winter collection is continually superlative and worthy of being listed among the best of the very best. Had it not been for the attention brought on the brand by the stars of several popular television shows, Loro Piana, with no visible print or obvious logo, would have sailed quietly by the limelight, like two luxury yachts passing in the night.

However, this past year, the autumn-winter collection was a celebration of Loro Piana’s heritage, innovation, and expertise as eyes were guided to the homelands of Loro Piana’s key fibres: wool from New Zealand, cashmere from Mongolia, and vicuña from Peru. Loro Piana’s campaign is asking the world to travel again—in the lap of luxury. For the winter collection, the makers are clearly in a warm, celebratory mood. Coarsehair cashmere, shearling, baby cashmere, and Cashfur (cashmere with a hint of silk) are all embellished with handcrafted, intimate embroidery for a versatile, contemporary look that can be mixed and matched with any other piece in their wardrobe. Look at the comforting joggers, coats, and jackets—irrepressibly sensual, and made of the finest fabric.

Taner in Loro Piana for Robb Report Hong Kong

Outtakes from the fashion shoot. On him: Loro Piana full look, Montblanc watch.

Location: Lobby Lounge, Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong

Best in Style: 

CRAFTSMANSHIP

LORO PIANA

Loro Piana has forever been a living contradiction. A brand that screams quiet luxury, it embodies such exquisite refinement while showcasing a seemingly indiscriminate abundance of cashmere and extra-fine wool in its timeless garments. Loro Piana has seamlessly introduced vicu.a into the fashion lexicon, a term that has been the preserve of the elite for decades.

Little is disclosed regarding the designers behind Loro Piana’s creations, or the specific timelines of releases. Instead, we find ourselves captivated by the craftsmanship, scrutinising the sheer perfection of each piece, like the complete ensemble on display on this page. Loro Piana’s Eliott blouson in saffron tea presents a short and contemporary silhouette, serving as a modern interpretation of the biker jacket. Expertly crafted from refined linen and silk, this innovative fabric features three layers, united by a weatherproofing Storm System membrane at its core. Its outer layers are composed of linen and silk, while the interior boasts Antigua linen, and the raglan sleeves and generously sized patch pockets enhance the garment’s sense of ease and comfort.

Complementing this is the Gift of Kings crewneck, exemplifying exquisite craftsmanship through a regular-fit jumper fashioned from impeccably refined wool yarn. Its double-knit technique artfully juxtaposes the tonalities of the front and back, creating a distinctive and sophisticated aesthetic that is equally suited for both business and leisure. Paired with the Como trousers, the look showcases the maison’s adeptness at elevating even the most relaxed designs. Cut from jersey cotton with a substantial drape and an ultra-soft fleece interior, these trousers prioritise comfort without compromising style. Featuring a knitted waistband with an inner drawstring for an impeccable fit, alongside elasticated ankles to retain warmth, they epitomise Loro Piana’s dedication to both luxury and functionality.

Photography: Dino Busch

Stylist: Bhisan Rai

Location: Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong

Hair and Make-up: Karen Yiu

Make-up assistant: Bonnie Cheung

Styling assistant: Galvin Chi

Model: Taner from Model One

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

 

The best of Menswear in Winter: Loro Piana

As the temperature drops dramatically this weekend—for Hong Kong standards—its perfect weather to snuggle into a cocooning turtleneck in cashmere fleece with “Jamo” pants in cotton corduroy, from the good people of Loro Piana. 

We gently sifted through their latest collection (as seen and worn by innumerable celebrities this season as they hit the ski slopes), and a perfect touch was felt in every piece; Loro Piana doesn’t joke around with their threads; cashmere, Mohair, silk blend, extrafine wool, cashmere flannel, double faced pure New Zealand wool, silk blend cashmere are the sort of rich materials we are dealing with consistently. Like faultless ingredients for a perfect recipe, what makes Loro Piana run in its own lane beyond others is easily their adherence to refined and exquisite material. We couldn’t pick between the grey turtleneck and the pure black turtleneck in baby cashmere paired with “Reinga” pants in wool and cashmere (with a loose silhouette that’s got a delicious retro vibe), so here both are.  

The black turtleneck should be in every elegant man’s wardrobe; be it Robert Redford or Robert Pattinson, we’ve seen every decade’s defining debonair sport a variation of the wardrobe staple. Heck, the OG “tech bro,” Steve Jobs ran his entire campaign wearing it. 

Photographer: Doney Zou

Model: Bipin Karma at Model One

Hair and Makeup: Cat Yeong @hongkongmakeupartist 

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong 

Winter Wardrobe Woes in Hong Kong? Not anymore. Check out NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER's collab with Loro Piana

Hold onto your cashmere hats, folks! October 2024, marks the month of fashion enlightenment in Hong Kong, as NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER team up with the legendary Italian brand Loro Piana to launch exclusive winter capsule collections. This is the first time these fashion powerhouses have joined forces for both men and women.

On offer, NET-A-PORTER is rolling out 21 pieces that could make even the most indecisive shopper feel like they’ve hit the jackpot. Its Loro Piana so think luxurious coats, cozy knitwear, and handbags that practically scream... well, in fact, they don't scream. Its just quiet sophistication at its finest. The color palette is neutral and in the comforting shades of taupe, cream, and caramel. They’ve sprinkled in some chunky knits and tailored outerwear in warm textures and the finest textiles. 

On the flip side, MR PORTER isn’t slacking either. With 34 pieces, their collection is all about shearling and suede outerwear that’s stylish and a timeless elegance to it; look at the tailored trousers and the wide array of cashmere and wool knits that’ll keep you warm. Plus, suede sneakers and iconic caps round out the collection.

Kate Benson, Buying Director at NET-A-PORTER, “These forever styles can be worn as a timeless stand-alone piece or layered together this winter.” And Daniel Todd from MR PORTER assures us that this collection is perfect for luxury cold-weather dressing.

Time to elevate your winter wardrobe? Head over to NET-A-PORTER or MR PORTER to snag these exclusive collections.

October 2024

TBT: Tech meets style as Loro Piana takes a swing at The Ryder Cup

Sports uniforms are often slick, performance gear always has a dash of style stitched in the seams, the athletic silhouette is a happy mélange of form, function and indubitably, a sense of style. But when it comes to this sport, good lord is there a reason why the gear in golf has historically been so shockingly…what’s the polite word… lacklustre? 

Lads and ladies, Loro Piana has entered the chat.

Loro Piana announced the renewal of the brand's collaboration with Team Europe for the 2023 Ryder Cup. The sportsmen will be dressed in the finest fibre, timeless colours and high-function design to enhance, not interrupt a swing. If ever a sport needed a touch of elegance--considering the vast money that's at play and global audience on view--Loro Piana has stepped into the greens with intelligent-design and its famed craftsmanship. And we’re not alone in this praise-the-lord hankering. 

“Since the partnership began in 2016, the quality of Loro Piana’s fabrics coupled with their specialist design and production knowledge have made them the ideal clothing partner for Team Europe,” says Luke Donald, captain of Team Europe.

Indeed for the past seven years, since Loro Piana first stepped into the game, the brand re-designed the official uniforms for Team Europe with state-of-the-art fabrication to suit atmospheric conditions, providing a sense of comfort and style. What’s more, 3D technology was used to simulate how the material moved when a golf swing was in full action, which led to small changes made for greater impact; allowing the performer utter ease in movement and no chaffing courtesy of their impeccable new uniform.  

The latest signature collection includes six looks, featuring a short-sleeved polo with a shirt-style collar, crease-resistant, waterproof fabrics and lightness of material to let the golfer play seamlessly. The advanced technology used in fabrication is next level; the team will be provided with clothing with heat-regulating capacity that enhances ergonomic performance. For that subtle sense of style, there’s a refined colour palette, using Italian tones, the European flag and of course, the sports team’s official logo. 

“Loro Piana’s iconic outfits have become synonymous with Team Europe and we are delighted that Captain Luke Donald’s team will become the fourth successive group of players to don these exceptional products,” said Guy Kinnings, Ryder Cup Director. “Since our partnership began at the Ryder Cup in 2016, the quality of Loro Piana’s fabrics coupled with their specialist design and production knowledge have made them the ideal fit for Team Europe, ensuring that the players look and feel the part both on and off the course. I am delighted that we are working with a symbol of Italian excellence for the first ever Ryder Cup in Italy.”

If you’re thirsting to grab a full look from the collection, there’s good news and bad. Only a selection of the Team Europe uniforms, will be available at the maison’s boutique in Rome during the weeks of competition. Will it be available in Hong Kong? No. But variations of the colour scheme, similar silhouette will still be in the offing to golf lovers as Loro Piana’s extensive wardrobe is on sale at stores studded around Asia.

by

P.Ramakrishnan

Feature for Robb Report Hong Kong from Sept 2023

Asia Spa Men's issue shoot: Menswear Location Shoot: Summer 2009

The Blue Lagoon

Perhaps a reflection of the economic times but men’s fashion has got a hint of the blues. Various shades of the moody hues have crept into designer labels and the designer conscience as the colour made guest appearances in every collection this (and past) season. Photographer Ike found a slice of paradise in one of the hundreds of islets that constitute Hong Kong and did this fine shoot, far from the madding crowd. Cool, calm and collected, we focus on the serene aspects of the azure template and sapphire shades.

• Producer: P.Ramakrishnan
• Photography: Ike
• Assistant: Cal
• Hair & Makeup: Karen Yiu
• Model: David Oshry from Model International
• Location: Hong Kong  

Striped shirt from Versace, striped shorts from Vintage at Lane Crawford, Emporio Armani white briefs (available at Rouge Amour), blue suede shoes from Cole Haan, shades from Shanghai Tang and watch from Ernst Benz

Indigo check trousers from Lane Crawford, printed briefs by John Galliano (available at Rouge Amour), J.M. Weston black leather sandals, large leather bag from the Boss Orange collection by Hugo Boss, model carrying a blue and brown zipped cardigan by Hermes, shades from Shanghai Tang and watch from Ernst Benz

Hooded sweatshirt in grey/blue perforated suede lambskin and printed blue swimming trunks by Hermes, diamond and gold pendant by Stenzhorn at Masterpiece by king fook, J.M. Weston black leather sandals and watch from Ernst Benz

Blue angel print jeans by KSubi from Lane Crawford, leather sandals by Salvatore Ferragamo, diamond and gold pendant by Stenzhorn at Masterpiece by king fook, shades from Shanghai Tang and watch from Ernst Benz

White linen shirt, baby blue pashmina by Fine’n’Rhine, white linen pants from Daks London, leather sandals by Salvatore Ferragamo and watch from Ernst Benz

Blue jeans by Blaak from Harvey Nichols, blue linen scarf by Loro Piana, brown leather bag by Salvatore Ferragamo, shades model’s own, shoes by Cole Haan and watch from Ernst Benz

T-shirt by John Galliano, blue boxer-briefs by Dolce & Gabbana (both available at Rouge Amour), embroidered sarong from Fine’n’Rhine and watch from Ernst Benz.

BEHIND THE SCENES

The images were glam, the heat and humidity of Hong Kong... not so great! Intrepid crew made it work. Famed American photographer Ike kept his cool throughout. Karen Yiu--the hair and makeup genius and my most frequent collaborator--reminded me again why she's the best in the biz, both as a talent and as a person. David, well, he's OK. The highest paid male model in Hong Kong, wrestling his timetable with his agency was a feat in itself.